New Introductions

This is part of a multi-part set of postings that I am going to be sharing about the trip to South Dakota that Phil & I were blessed to take.

Day 3

Today was very good.  Phil and I had the opportunity to travel alone with Dave.  We (I) woke at 5am AGAIN.  At 8 we meandered to Dave's and he took us through his field and around the dirt roads of Nebraska to Pine Ridge to meet Bamm.

Yes, those are cows you see.  We drove right through the fields on the roads Dave made to keep track of his cattle he raises.

Before we got to Bamm's home we stopped at Big Bats the local convenience store.  For the first time in my life I realized what it was like to be a minority.  I felt very uncomfortable for a moment, while there was really no reason to.  I just have never been one of the only "white" people in an environment.  And once again, a teachable moment arose and I (thankfully) was able to recognize it.

I have always taught my children that people are people.  God doesn't see color, race, wealth, etc etc.  We all bleed red, is something that has been used before in our household.  And so it was time for me to truly live out what I have taught my children.  All I could think of were the lyrics from "Jesus Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns.

Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, Friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours 

The very next segment of lyrics that ran through my head were from Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

Ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

And that was all I needed.  To take the focus off myself and onto everyone else and to truly have the desire to see them the way God sees them.  I am so glad that I can honestly say that was the ONLY time I truly felt that way which became the start of meeting some remarkable people.

We traveled up the road to Bamm's home where we were greeted by Mrs. Doubtfire, a vicious chihuahua.  (Well, I guess vicious wasn't really the word I should use for her.)  She wanted us to believe she was vicious.  

Bamm immediately welcomed us and I took my spot on the couch under one of the largest mounted Buffalo heads I have ever seen.  Bamm shared his life story and truly showed us his ingenious, never give up attitude.  He is a true diamond on Pine Ridge Reservation.  

As Phil and I talked with him about needs among the Lakota people Bamm shared, "There are some of us who really want to work."

I totally admired his passion to show the Youth of the Lakota Tribe there is a better life and they can do something with themselves.

We had a rich time of exchanging gifts with one another and he brought out The Crazy Horse Staff he uses when he leads The Crazy Horse Ride.  It was such a breath of fresh air to see someone take such initiative and have a vision to truly make life on the reservation a positive experience for The Lakota people.

We didn't want to keep him too long.  He had a swimming pool/slide to set up that was donated.  He has a beautiful piece of property where he encourages youth to come and hang out whether it is cooling off on a 100 degree day with his swimming pool & slide or camping & riding horses.

So we loaded back into the Hunter Green Chevy Blazer & road tripped back to Nebraska to meet up with the rest of our crew. 

That night Phil and I were able to thank Creator for the new friend and contact that he brought into our path.

Thank you, Bamm Brewer, for opening your home & sharing your heart with us.  We look forward to continuing to get to know you.

~Misti~